Windshield wipers are more important for your safety than you may appreciate. They wipe off any debris and water on your windshield, so your vision is always clear while driving.
Windshield wiper blades are made of rubber or silicone and attached to an arm connected to the wiper motor. When the motor is activated, the arm moves back and forth, and the blades wipe across the windshield. The blades’ rubber or silicone material effectively purges dirt, debris, or water from the windshield.
Over time, these wipers become dirty and ineffective, exposing you to potential danger. Here’s a guide on how to clean windshield wiper blades, starting with the reasons why.
Why You Should Clean Your Windshield Wiper Blades
1. Prevent Streaking and Smearing on the Windshield
Dirty wiper blades can leave streaks and smears on your windshield, obstructing your view while driving. It’s one of the most underrated dangers on the road, but it can significantly increase your risk of getting into an accident.
Regularly cleaning your wiper blades helps to remove any built-up dirt and grime, ensuring that they perform at their best when you need them the most.
2. Improve Driving Visibility and Safety
Visibility is such a big deal on the road that federal and state laws regulate it. But the law shouldn’t be your only motivation to keep your windshield and wiper blades in good condition.
Visibility significantly affects road safety, and by taking care of your wiper blades, you are ultimately protecting yourself and others on the road.
Moreover, a clear windshield can also reduce eye strain and improve your driving experience.
3. Extend the Lifespan of Your Wiper Blades
Just like any other mechanical part, regular maintenance can help extend the lifespan of your wiper blades. By regularly washing the rubber edges, you prevent unnecessary wear and tear that shortens their lifespan.
Regularly inspect your wiper blades for any signs of damage. Replace the blades if there are tears or worn-out parts so there’s no further damage to your windshield.
How Often Should You Clean Windshield Wipers?
The answer to this question is subjective and depends on multiple variables such as weather conditions, driving habits, road conditions, and how effective your windshield wipers are at clearing debris. However, a general rule of thumb is to clean your windshield wipers every time you clean your windshield.
Signs It’s Time for a Cleaning or Replacement
If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to clean or replace your windshield wipers:
- Streaking on your windshield indicates that the wiper blades aren’t properly clearing away debris and may need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Skipping or chattering noises when using your windshield wipers also indicate that they may need to be cleaned or replaced.
- Uneven wear on the wiper blades makes them ineffective in clearing your windshield.
- Tears, cracks, or missing pieces on your wiper blades are a clear sign that they need to be replaced.
Best Way to Clean Windshield Wiper Blades: Step-by-Step Guide
Tools You’ll Need
- A soft cotton cloth or a sponge for cleaning.
- Rubbing alcohol for disinfecting and degreasing.
- Soapy water to dislodge dirt and grime.
- Clean water in a bucket or container for rinsing the blades.
Step 1: Inspect for Damage
Don’t waste your time cleaning wiper blades that are so damaged that you must replace them. Before you start the cleaning process, inspect your wiper blades for any obvious signs of wear and tear.
- Look for tears, cracks, or missing pieces on the rubber blades.
- Check if the metal frame is bent or damaged in any way.
- Are the attachment points secure or loose?
If you notice any of these issues, it’s time to replace your wiper blades. Cleaning them will only provide a temporary fix and may even cause further damage.
Step 2: Lift the Wiper Blades
Gently lift your wiper arms off the windshield to make the blades easily accessible for cleaning.
Be careful; the wipers can suddenly slide off your hands and snap back onto the windshield, cracking it or worsening tiny chips.
Step 3: Clean the Blades with Soap and Water
Use warm water in a bucket to easily lather up with soap. Then, dip a soft cotton cloth or sponge into the soapy water and use it to wet wash the wiper blades. Scrub the blades gently but thoroughly.
Don’t miss any rubber edges or joints. Dislodge all the dirt, grime, and debris. The soapy water may not completely eliminate grease, but it will trim it significantly.
Bonus Tip:
For stubborn buildup, use some mild detergent or diluted vinegar solution to break down the grime before scrubbing with soapy water. Vinegar is acidic, so don’t forget to dilute the vinegar and rinse it off thoroughly and promptly.
Step 3: Rinse the Soapy Water and Degrease with Rubbing Alcohol
Once you have scrubbed the wiper blades with soapy water, it’s time to rinse off the solution. Thoroughly rinse off all soap traces from the blades with a sponge and warm water.
Again, the soap is effective with dirt and debris, but it can’t fully degrease the blades. That’s why you should use rubbing alcohol for this step.
Wet a clean cloth with rubbing alcohol, and use it to wipe down the entire surface of each wiper blade. Do it until the surface is no longer slippery or greasy.
This step helps prevent streaks and smears on your windshield.
Step 4: Avoid Harsh Chemicals or Abrasive Tools
I hope you noticed that we recommended washing the vehicle with soapy water. We also told you to dip a cloth or sponge in diluted rubbing alcohol and rub the cloth directly on the wiper blades.
Harsh chemicals and abrasive tools can damage your windshield and wiper blades, and using regular glass cleaners is harmful as it trickles onto your car paint, ruining it.
On that note, here’s the best homemade car window cleaner recipes and processes.
We also recommend sponges and microfiber cloths because tools like steel wool, brushes, and paper towels can scratch or streak auto glass.
Seasonal Tips for Cleaning Windshield Wipers
Every season presents unique challenges for keeping your windshield and wiper blades clean. Here are some tips to help you maintain a clear view of the road all year round:
Spring
- Pollen is abundant in spring, so regularly wipe down your windshield and wiper blades to prevent buildup.
- Heavy rainfalls can occur during this season, so you’ll need the wipers to be in top form.
Summer
- Bugs and insects can become a nuisance during summer, so keep a bug and tar remover handy to quickly clean your windshield and wiper blades.
- The hot sun can cause the rubber on wiper blades to deteriorate faster. Park in shaded areas or use a windshield cover to protect your wipers.
Fall
- Falling leaves can clog your wiper blades and make them less effective. Clean off any debris before using your wipers.
- As temperatures drop, check for any cracks or tears in your wiper blades from the drastic changes from summer heat to fall storms. Replace them if necessary.
Winter
- Snow and ice can be tough on wiper blades, so invest in winter-specific blades or use a de-icer spray to help keep them functioning properly.
- In extremely cold weather, gently lift your wipers up and away from the windshield to prevent them from freezing to the glass.
Pro Tips to Make Windshield Wipers Last Longer
1. Park in the Shade to Avoid Sun Damage
The sun’s ultraviolet rays are harsh, not just to your skin but every inch of your car, including your wiper blades.
Prolonged sun exposure causes the rubber on the blades to dry out and crack, leading to poor performance and a shorter lifespan.
Go for shaded parking to protect your windshield, but avoid parking under trees for shade. You can also use a shaded area or a windshield sunshade to protect your wipers from the sun’s rays.
2. Keep Your Windshield Clean
One of the reasons windshield wipers tear up and wear out quickly is because of debris on the windshield. Dirt, grime, and road salt can build up on your windshield, causing unnecessary friction between the wiper blades and glass.
Cleaning your windshield regularly can help prevent damage to your wipers. Here’s the best way to clean car windows.
It also helps to regularly clean the rubber on your wiper blades.
3. Protect Your Wipers in Winter
The freezing temperatures in winter are harsh on windshield wipers. Snow and ice build up around the blades, causing them to become stiff and less effective.
An ice scraper or de-icing spray helps to protect your wipers during winter months by removing any snow or ice before turning on your wipers. That’s how you prevent unnecessary strain and potential damage to the blades.
You can also invest in winter wiper blades specifically made to bear colder temperatures and harsher conditions. These blades have a special rubber coating to stop ice from building up, allowing for smoother movement across the windshield.
4. Replace Wiper Blades Regularly
Your wiper blades will eventually wear out no matter how well you take care of them. The general rule is to replace them biannually or anytime you notice any signs of damage or decreased performance.
When Cleaning Doesn’t Work, Replace the Rite-Way
If cleaning your wiper blades doesn’t improve visibility, it’s a sign they may need replacement. Worn-out wipers can leave streaks that compromise your ability to see clearly—especially during rain or snow.
At Rite-Way Auto Glass, we specialize in replacing damaged windshields and car windows to restore your visibility and protect your vehicle from the elements. While we don’t replace or repair wiper blades, we strongly recommend inspecting and maintaining them regularly to avoid unnecessary damage to your windshield.
Once your glass is in good shape, it’s up to you to keep it clean—here’s how to clean car windows without streaks.
